As the tennis world prepares for the 2025 French Open, a storm of controversy has swirled around Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spanish star whose meteoric rise has drawn comparisons to his idol, Rafael Nadal. The 21-year-old, who clinched his maiden French Open title in 2024 and defended his Wimbledon crown, faced scrutiny over his trips to Ibiza, a decision criticized by his team as “selfish” in his Netflix documentary, *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*. Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, has stepped into the fray with a passionate defense, arguing that the portrayal of Alcaraz as an unprofessional partygoer is a misrepresentation of the dedicated athlete he knows. With Roland Garros looming, Nadal’s support adds a compelling layer to Alcaraz’s quest to balance stardom with personal freedom.
The controversy stems from Alcaraz’s candid revelations in the documentary, which chronicles his 2024 season. After a grueling 2023 French Open semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic, where nerves and cramps derailed him, Alcaraz sought respite in Ibiza. “I had a friend who had a few days off, going to Ibiza with other friends,” he shared. “I ended up going, and they know what I’m going there to do. In Ibiza, I’m not going to lie, it’s pretty much all about partying and going out.” The trip, which he described as a chance to “reventar” (let loose), was followed by triumphs at Queen’s Club and Wimbledon in 2023. He repeated the Ibiza getaway in 2024 after his Roland Garros victory, joining friends like footballer Sergio Reguilon for nightlife and karaoke, including a viral moment singing “We Are the Champions.” Despite a second-round loss at Queen’s to Jack Draper, Alcaraz went on to defeat Djokovic in the Wimbledon final, cementing his status as a four-time Grand Slam champion.
His team, however, was less enthusiastic. Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, a former world No. 1, expressed frustration, stating, “His understanding of work and sacrifice is so different from ours. It’s so different that it makes me doubt whether ‘his way’ of doing things will help him become the best in the world.” Agent Albert Molina cautioned, “I tried to explain to him that it might not be the best idea to go to Ibiza for three or four days on vacation when he had a tournament at Queen’s the following week.” Physiotherapist Juanjo Moreno was blunt, accusing Alcaraz of being “selfish towards his future self.” The documentary’s focus on these trips led to public criticism, with compatriot Roberto Bautista Agut suggesting, “I don’t think Carlos is going to win Grand Slams by going to bed at seven in the morning.”
Nadal, in a fiery response, took aim at the documentary’s portrayal. “Knowing Carlos a little, I think the documentary doesn’t reflect his personality or the way he lives his career,” he told a French outlet. “He doesn’t come across as a tennis player who trains, but as someone who loves to party, who needs that, and who isn’t very professional – and that’s not true.” Nadal emphasized Alcaraz’s dedication, noting, “He may be close to perfection at times, but he’s 21. He’s going to improve, he’s going to stabilize, and that will give him time.” His defense was echoed by Novak Djokovic, who dismissed concerns about Alcaraz’s form, saying, “He’s 21 years old, he’s won four Grand Slams and many tournaments. What more do you want?”
Alcaraz himself has been unapologetic, prioritizing balance over sacrifice. “I don’t want to feel like a slave to tennis,” he said. “Those little getaways to Ibiza, two or three nights with friends, to enjoy, to have time to rest, to have time for myself, I think it is fundamental and very necessary to then perform and come back to the court with batteries charged.” His approach has sparked debate, with fans defending him by pointing to Nadal’s own youthful days enjoying Mallorca’s summer parties, or “verbenas.” One fan noted, “People don’t realize how much of a party guy Nadal was,” suggesting Alcaraz’s lifestyle is not unprecedented among tennis greats.
The duo’s bond, strengthened by their doubles partnership at the 2024 Paris Olympics, adds depth to Nadal’s support. Alcaraz, who idolizes Nadal, called their Olympic collaboration “a unique moment.” Nadal’s encouragement continued after Alcaraz’s Barcelona Open final loss to Holger Rune, where he took a medical timeout for a leg issue. “He wrote to me,” Alcaraz said, “to give me some encouragement, telling me he hopes that I’m not injured and that in a few days I can train again and give my all.” Despite an adductor injury sidelining him for the Madrid Open, Alcaraz, now world No. 3, is set to defend his French Open title as the No. 2 seed.
As Roland Garros approaches, Nadal’s retirement will be honored with a ceremony, while Alcaraz faces the pressure of defending his crown and proving his critics wrong. His 24-5 record in 2025, including titles in Rotterdam and Monte-Carlo, underscores his talent. Nadal’s staunch defense and Alcaraz’s defiance of convention paint a picture of a young star navigating fame on his terms, determined to carve out a legacy as Carlos Alcaraz Garfia, not just “the next Nadal.”
# Rafael Nadal Defends Carlos Alcaraz’s Ibiza Trips
Carlos Alcaraz’s Ibiza trips, highlighted in his Netflix documentary *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*, drew criticism from his team, but Rafael Nadal has fiercely defended the young star. The controversy, set against Alcaraz’s 2024 successes, underscores his quest for balance as he prepares to defend his French Open title.
Alcaraz’s 2023 French Open semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic prompted a trip to Ibiza. “I had a friend who had a few days off, going to Ibiza with other friends,” he said. “In Ibiza, I’m not going to lie, it’s pretty much all about partying and going out.” The getaway preceded his 2023 Queen’s and Wimbledon titles. In 2024, he returned post-Roland Garros, singing karaoke and partying with friends like Sergio Reguilon. Despite a Queen’s loss, he won Wimbledon again.
His team disapproved. Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero said, “His understanding of work and sacrifice is so different from ours.” Agent Albert Molina warned, “I tried to explain to him that it might not be the best idea to go to Ibiza.” Physiotherapist Juanjo Moreno called him “selfish towards his future self.” Roberto Bautista Agut added, “I don’t think Carlos is going to win Grand Slams by going to bed at seven in the morning.”
Nadal countered, “Knowing Carlos a little, I think the documentary doesn’t reflect his personality or the way he lives his career. He doesn’t come across as a tennis player who trains, but as someone who loves to party, who isn’t very professional – and that’s not true.” Djokovic echoed, “He’s won four Grand Slams and many tournaments. What more do you want?”
Alcaraz, unapologetic, said, “I don’t want to feel like a slave to tennis. Those little getaways to Ibiza, two or three nights with friends, to enjoy, to have time to rest, I think it is fundamental.” Fans noted Nadal’s own youthful partying, with one saying, “People don’t realize how much of a party guy Nadal was.”
With a 24-5 record in 2025, Alcaraz faces Roland Garros as No. 2 seed, backed by Nadal’s encouragement after a Barcelona loss. “He wrote to me,” Alcaraz said, “to give me some encouragement.” Nadal’s defense highlights Alcaraz’s dedication, setting the stage for a defining French Open campaign.
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